Nothing captures the magic of summer more perfectly than a
carnival. How many generations of young
lovers have stolen a kiss in the glow of colored lights, with the soft sounds
of carousel music for their first memories?
That is what engaged a multi-award winning and valued artist
from Enfield to bring a vintage carousel horse back to life. Representing the American colors, stars and
stripes, of red, white and blue, it swings playfully from the front porch of Teaberry
Treasures a relatively new store in the Historical District of Enfield.
Teaberry Treasures, a
little shop full of artfully crafted gifts and home decor represents not only
local artist and their talents, but also is just beaming with American
pride. "It is perfect," said Owner of
Teaberry Treasures, Barbra O'Boyle. "Our
store is all about the value of high quality items, at a reasonable price which
are handmade and made in America," said O'Boyle. "We support local organizations such as
Wounded Warrior Project, Enfield Hoo-ha, Holiday Cards for Heroes are just a
few we have contributed to in the last few months so the vintage carousel horse
and it's huge representation of the American flag is with its blue body, huge
white stars and red striped feet, mane and socks was a perfect display on the
porch during the summer months."
Being the only store in Northeast Connecticut to truly
represent local artists and their wares, Teaberry Treasures is located at 312
Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT . "Our
shelves are full of handmade items from more than 40 local artists, most of them are from
Enfield, Ellington, Somers, Suffield and some from Massachusetts," said
O'Boyle. "I have always been a Patriot
at heart and appreciated the artistic talents of others so the combination of
both worked out well when I started
pondering what I wanted in the gift shop and this beautiful vintage carousel
horse hanging from the front porch helps others to enjoy."
"Most of these towns in New England relied on woman
making bonnets, baskets, sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting and woodworking
for that little extra money, clear back to our founding fathers," said
O'Boyle. "It is the same now days
with our local artists."
"When a customer purchases from Teaberry Treasures,
their money is not going to help another Corporate CEO buy a new vacation home.
Most of our artists work a full-time
job, along with producing creative works of art to be sold," said
O'Boyle. "We strive to make our
customers happy because after all, the extra money helps a family pay for dancing
lessons, team jerseys, food on the table or a student pay for their college. Additionally, when customers support local
businesses, they also help their own town's economy. So, as I see it, it is a win, win situation
for all."
"At the end of the summer, we will be raffling off the
vintage carousel horse with all of the proceeds to benefit the Wounded Warrior
Project," said O'Boyle. "This
would be a fabulous item to have hanging from your tree, instead of an old
tire."
